Obituary of Irene V. Szczesny

Irene Szczesny (maiden name Haraburda) passed peacefully on September 5, 2018, at Spring Mill Presbyterian Village, where she had resided since July 2015. Known to many as “Reene,” or “Reenie,” she had coped bravely with lung disease for many years, before becoming too ill to reside safely on her own.

Born to Vincent and Bertha Haraburda on May 25, 1926, Irene was one of four children.  She lived among a very close extended Polish family.  Speaking only Polish until her enrollment in St. Josaphat’s elementary school, she proudly completed her education, graduating from Roxborough High School in 1944.

Irene was a dedicated employee of the 6th and Erie branch of the First Pennsylvania Bank in Philadelphia.  She stopped working at the time of her marriage to Robert Szczesny in June of 1967. 
Irene enjoyed travelling a great deal.  She was a member of the St. Philip Neri Philippians, and participated in several trips with them, including a trip to Las Vegas several years ago.  She found great enjoyment in the St. Philip Bowling league, and met many lifelong friends through that activity.  Irene loved the Jersey shore, particularly casino trips to Atlantic City.  Her most appreciated gift of late was PA Lottery scratch offs.  However, her most passionate pastime was following the Philadelphia Phillies.  She was able to attend a May game this year with her fellow fans at Spring Mill, which gave her great pleasure.

Irene was a devoted wife, mother, Babci, and great-Babci.  Family, special occasions, and holidays spent together were priceless to her.  Preceded in death by her husband, Robert, Irene is survived by her daughters Mary Ann Daulerio (Frank) and Lisa Graham (John Scott), three grandchildren: Marie Graham Poot (Tim), Thomas Graham Jr, and Fran Daulerio (Leah), as well as three great-grandchildren: Oliver Poot, Nora Irene Poot, and Genevieve Daulerio, who shares a May 25 birthday with her great-Babci.
Also surviving are Irene’s beloved sisters, Jessie Haraburda, and Theresa Haraburda Staib, as well as six very special nieces and nephews born to Irene’s late brother Thaddeus (Ted) Haraburda, and his wife Terry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Irene at St. Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, on Monday, September 10, at 11:00 AM.  Visitors are invited to the church, starting at 9:30 AM.  Following the Mass, family and friends are welcome to her graveside service at Westminster Cemetery, 701 Belmont Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, 19004. 

Irene’s family would like to extend special thanks to her devoted caregivers at Spring Mill Presbyterian Village, who made her last three years so comfortable and stimulating.  We would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary care and support provided to not only Irene, but to us, by the Wissahickon Hospice team.  Accordingly, donations to Wissahickon Hospice would be welcomed in lieu of flowers.